Lei Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China, and a Visiting Scholar at the Robotics Laboratory of Texas State University. He holds a Doctor of Engineering in Mechatronics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and specializes in mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery, and robotics. With leadership in numerous national and provincial research projects, he has published over 40 academic papers and holds more than 70 patents. He is an active member of IEEE and serves as an editor and reviewer for several international journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang’s extensive research in mechatronics, agricultural machinery, and robotics has positioned him as a leader in his field. His ability to integrate complex engineering solutions with real-world applications is exemplified by his numerous patents, high-impact publications, and successful project leadership. As a professor at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University and a visiting scholar at Texas State University, he continues to influence the next generation of engineers and researchers. His contributions not only advance technical knowledge but also promote innovation in sustainable agricultural practices and automation.

🎓 Education

Lei Zhang holds a Doctor of Engineering degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the Shenyang Research Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He earned his Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the College of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Electronics Technology, Beijing Polytechnic University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University of Technology.

💼Experience

Lei Zhang is a Professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, where he has served since 2008 in various academic roles including Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Master’s Supervisor. He is also a Visiting Scholar at the Robotics Laboratory of Texas State University. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Assistant Lecturer at Shandong Second Vocational College.

🔬Research Focus

Lei Zhang’s research focuses on mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery, and robotics. He has led and participated in multiple high-level research projects, including a sub-project under the National Key Research and Development Program of the 14th Five-Year Plan, two National Natural Science Foundation of China projects, and several initiatives sponsored by provincial departments and industry partners. His work has led to the publication of over 40 academic papers, with more than 30 indexed by SCI and EI.

🛠️Skills

Professor Zhang possesses extensive expertise in mechanism synthesis, agricultural machinery equipment, and robot technology. His technical strengths are further demonstrated by his portfolio of over 40 invention patents and 36 utility model patents. He is highly skilled in managing and executing research projects and has successfully led numerous national and provincial-level research initiatives as well as enterprise-commissioned projects.

🏆Awards

Lei Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions to science and technology. He was awarded the Second Prize in the Zhejiang Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award in 2017 for his work on adjustable-presser-foot thread-breakage-responsive wide-format embroidery machines. In 2021, he earned the Third Prize in the same award category for the development and industrial application of multi-head wide-format ultra-high-speed embroidery equipment.

📚 Publications

Title: Lightweight Classification of Lotus Seedpod Quality Using Improved YOLOv3-Tiny Model
Authors: L. Zhang; H. Yan; Y. Jia; B. Ye; Z. Ma
Year: 2024
Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao / Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering

Title: Analysis and Optimization of Low-Resistance Animal Bionic Subsoiling Shovel Based on EDEM
Authors: L. Zhang; X. Wang; J. Chen; H. Wang; Y. Cao
Year: 2024
Journal: Agriculture (Switzerland)

Title: Optimization Design and Experiment of Cam-Elliptical Gear Combined Vegetables Curved Surface Labeling Mechanism
Authors: L. Zhang; H. Zhou; J. Chen; Y. Liu; X. Zhang
Year: 2024
Journal: Frontiers in Robotics and AI

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhang’s excellence in research, patent contributions, and project leadership makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His groundbreaking work in agricultural machinery and robotics showcases his potential to drive further advancements in technology that address real-world challenges. While opportunities for greater global collaboration and outreach exist, Prof. Zhang’s current body of work undeniably positions him as a leading researcher, deserving recognition for his innovative contributions to both academia and industry.

Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Santosh Marahatta, Agriculture and Forestry University , Nepal

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. He holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University and specializes in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has led numerous national and international projects and published extensively on rice-based cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic innovations. Prof. Marahatta is actively involved in university leadership, editorial boards, and government agricultural committees, contributing significantly to research, education, and policy in Nepal’s agricultural sector.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Marahatta exemplifies excellence in agricultural research with a focus on sustainability, productivity, and innovation. His research addresses critical agronomic challenges through practical, field-based solutions. His leadership in academia, commitment to mentoring, and scholarly contributions mark him as a transformative figure in Nepal’s agricultural research landscape.

🎓 Education

Dr. Santosh Marahatta holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where his dissertation focused on conservation agriculture and site-specific nutrient management in intensive rice-based systems in Nepal’s western foothills. He completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture (Agronomy) with distinction from the same university, conducting research on rice varieties and fertility practices in southern Chitwan. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University as well.

💼Experience

Dr. Marahatta currently serves as an Associate Professor of Agronomy at the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Nepal. His academic career spans over a decade, with prior roles including Assistant Professor (both permanent and temporary) at Tribhuvan University and AFU. He also served as an agronomist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council and as a lecturer at the Himalayan College of Agricultural Science and Technology. He is actively engaged in university governance and curriculum development as a Senate Member, Academic Council Member, Faculty Board Member, and Head of the Department of Agronomy at AFU. Additionally, he serves on multiple editorial boards and government-appointed agricultural committees and has led or contributed to numerous national and international research and development projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Marahatta’s research is deeply rooted in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. His work emphasizes zero tillage, direct seeding of rice, and the use of biofertilizers, slow-release nitrogen sources, and tools like NDVI and SPAD meters to improve nutrient efficiency. He has published extensively on cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic interventions for enhancing productivity in Nepal’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in a range of research and statistical software, including MS Office Suite, Mstat, GenStat, SPSS, DSSAT, R Studio, SigmaPlot, and Adobe Photoshop. Dr. Marahatta communicates effectively in Nepali, English, and Hindi and has participated in numerous international workshops and training programs, reinforcing his expertise in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

🏆Awards

During his academic career, Dr. Marahatta was honored with the prestigious Tribhuvan University Merit Scholarship throughout his B.Sc. studies, awarded to the top 15% of students at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.

📚 Publications

Title
Improving soil health and crop productivity through conservation agriculture and nitrogen management in rice–mustard–maize systems

Authors
Santosh Marahatta, Shrawan Kumar Sah, Andrew M. McDonald, Jagadish Timsina, Krishna Prasad Devkota

Journal
Field Crops Research

Year of Publication
2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is a visionary agronomist whose sustained academic output, impactful research, and leadership make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His work is not only shaping sustainable agricultural practices in Nepal but also serving as a model for developing countries worldwide. With continued focus on innovation and collaboration, he is well-positioned to achieve even greater influence in global agricultural science.